Celebrating Hawaiian, Polynesian women…
I have always been inspired to paint figurative work since I can remember--and that’s a long time! I started painting when I was 11, and drawing since I was two. I am passionate about the female figure and what it represents to me as an artist--beautiful shapes, sinuous curves, and powerful compositions. My intention is always to capture the vitality and sensibility of my models.
I was drawn to Hawaii over 42 years ago. My first trip to the islands was a trip to Kauai, which had a profound impact on my life! I was fascinated by the extraordinary beauty, vibrant colors, captivating landscapes--and of course, the spellbinding night moon! This lush atmosphere suited me perfectly as an athlete and an artist. I had found the place to live my life.
As I explored my new home, it did not take long for me to develop a deep fascination with the Hawaiian, Polynesian women. Not only was I struck by their extraordinary beauty, (which was there in abundance) but also of their proud embodiment of Island culture.
When I first arrived on the islands , I soon learned that our perception of the Hawaiian woman on the mainland was, for the most part, a myth. My observation and experience of native women was quite different. What struck me the most was their strength! And their knowingness. And their ability to be the powerful grounding force in each Polynesian family unit. It became evident to me that here, there was an evolved atmosphere of a Matriarchal Society.
This realization soon informed my portraits. I wanted to portray these women as not only as sensual, radiant beings, but to also celebrate their essential roles as the self-assured guardians of the Polynesian culture In Hawaii.
Gauguin depicted the Polynesian woman as a source of voyeurism and vulnerable beauty to be desired. My aim is to depict the Island Polynesian women as the beautiful, strong, indomitable figures of the culture that they embody.Visit the Kim McDonald Art Gallery in Paia.
Call us to make your appointment!
808.757.8211 or email Kim@KimMcDonald.com
Wahine In The Midday Sun
Original Oil Painting
Size 40”x30”
Sweet Dreams Mahina
Original Oil Painting
Size 36”x24”
“Sweet Dreams Mahina” is my latest figurative painting in my new collection of Polynesian women. I love this subject matter, which for me depicts the Hawaiian Polynesian woman as strong and sensual. In my experience of living in Hawaii for 30 years, the Polynesian women are the powerhouse of the family unit.
I’m super excited about this series as it’s a great opportunity for those of you who love my work to collect a softer color palette. I am working with the positive and negative shapes, complementary and secondary complementary colors. Here I focus on simplifying shapes and using an outline quality that you can find in some of my heroes such as Matisse, Cézanne and Gauguin.
I am loving this new series, and I hope you do as well.
Alaina’s Cat Nap
Original Oil Painting
Size 24”x30”
Leilani
Original Oil Painting
Size 24”x20”
Kealani Night Falls
Original Oil Painting
30”x24”
Where does my inspiration come from?
A composition inspired by the world famous, Henri Matisse. I few of my paintings in this series are highly influenced by Matisse and his early works, “The Harem of the Odalisques.”
The Odalisques was Matisse’s own way of extending Fauvism, giving it a more tranquil appearance by the careful use of line.
Nude on a Chaise-Longue against Pierced Screen, 1922
Nu sur chaise de repos sur fond moucharabieh
Lithograph, 49.2 X 40 cm
Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris
Night, 1922
La nuit
Lithograph, 25 x 29.6 cm
Bibliothèque Nationale, Paris
Matisse with Decorative Figure on an Ornamental Background, 1926-1927
Photo: Keystone
Learn more about the oil paints I use…
SENNELIER SINCE 1887
IN 1887, GUSTAVE SENNELIER, A DEVOTED CHEMIST, ESTABLISHED HIMSELF AS A PURVEYOR OF FINE-ARTISTS’ PAINTS AT 3 QUAI VOLTAIRE FACING THE LOUVRE AND STEPS AWAY FROM L’ECOLE DES BEAUX-ARTS.
HAVING THOROUGHLY RESEARCHED THE HISTORY AND USAGE OF PIGMENTS, HE DEVELOPED A DISTINCTIVE PROCESS FOR MANUFACTURING OIL COLOURS, FORMULATING PRECISE METHODS FOR MIXING TONES AND FOR CONTROLLING THEIR OPACITY AND TRANSPARENCY. HIS WORK WAS SO METICULOUS AND HIS EYE FOR COLOUR SO ACCURATE THAT ARTISTS SOON BEGAN TO REGARD THE SENNELIER PALETTE AS THE ULTIMATE STANDARD OF QUALITY.
Sennelier paints can be found at Blick Art Supply. Read more about the history below.
http://www.dickblick.com
If you’re on Maui and need a framer we highly recommend “Picture It Framed” in Kahului.
Tell Brian we sent you!
Located at:
230 Hana Highway, #8
Kahului, Hawaii 96732
info@pictureitframedmaui.com
P: 808-877-0877
